July 13, 2025 | Porto, Portugal — In a stunning and emotional twist, the wife of Portuguese football star Diogo Jota has been forced to break her silence following growing confusion and speculation over the tragic car accident that claimed two lives last week — including, allegedly, that of Jota himself.
In a statement released to Portuguese media this morning — and later confirmed by her representatives — Rute Cardoso firmly addressed what she called “dangerous misreporting” and “complete public chaos” surrounding the identity of the deceased, especially after conflicting accounts emerged on social media and international outlets.
“Let me say this clearly,” Rute wrote.
“My husband is still alive. It was his younger brother who tragically lost his life in the crash — not Diogo.”
The shocking clarification comes after days of mourning, tribute matches, and even a large-scale memorial at Anfield Stadium, where Liverpool fans believed they were saying goodbye to their beloved No. 20.
So what caused the confusion?
According to sources close to the family, both brothers were in the same vehicle when the accident occurred on a remote stretch of highway near Galicia, Spain. Initial reports listed Diogo Jota as the driver, with his younger brother as the passenger — but due to the severity of the crash, early identification was based on personal effects, including Jota’s ID, which had allegedly been borrowed by his brother for booking purposes.
“They looked remarkably alike,” said one investigator. “And in the chaos of the scene, assumptions were made — assumptions now proven wrong.”
Medical teams have since confirmed through dental and DNA records that it was Diogo’s brother, André Silva, who lost his life in the accident. Diogo himself, though injured and in a medically induced coma for several days, has now regained consciousness and is being treated at a private facility under tight security and limited visitation.
The misidentification set off an international wave of mourning — including public tributes from Liverpool FC, the Portuguese Football Federation, and FIFA — all of whom have since issued revised statements and expressed regret for the premature announcements.
Rute, still grieving the loss of her brother-in-law, said the family had remained silent in the early days out of respect and uncertainty.
“We didn’t want to speak too soon. But when I saw people around the world grieving my husband, while he lay in a hospital bed — I couldn’t stay silent any longer.”
As news of the correction spreads, fans are expressing a mix of shock, confusion, and cautious relief.
One fan wrote:
“We lit candles for him. We cried for him. And now we’re crying again — but this time, for a second chance.”
Diogo Jota’s medical team says he is “showing positive signs of recovery,” but caution that the coming weeks will be critical. No timeline has been given for a public appearance or statement from the player himself.
For now, the focus remains on healing — both for Jota and for a family shaken by grief, miscommunication, and the surreal experience of watching the world mourn someone who is still holding on.